Getting Even (Sample Only, sold on Amazon)

Chapter 2: Ending What's Broken

They arrived at Brianna's apartment complex and climbed out of Noah's truck. For a moment, Nick stood there and sighed with resignation.

Noah didn't blame him. Confrontations were never easy, especially when faced with a woman who thought she was right about everything. Yet, he knew that Nick didn't love her and never had. Lust and love were cousins but eventually fizzled out.

They took the flight of stairs and headed for her door. When Nick reached up to knock, he'd curled his fist and pounded with insistence. He took his phone from his pocket, chose a selection, and returned it. When she didn't answer the door, he pounded again. The door swung open with a jerk. For a moment, he wondered if the frown on her face had frozen there. He'd seen little else in weeks.

Whatever she was about to say died when she spotted Noah standing nearby with his thick arms crossed over his wide chest and a dare gleaming in his black eyes.

"Are ya busy?" Nick asked.

Her gaze flew back to him, and without a word, she walked away leaving the door open.

"I can tell she's excited to see me," Noah murmured. "Be ready to block that missile in case she throws that rock at ya. It could put out an eye."

Nick's lips curved into a smirk. "Shut up, you ass."

They followed her inside and Nick noticed how she purposely crossed the room to keep her distance. She had her left hand on her curvy hip so he could see that diamond. He thought she may be trying to remind him of the pit he'd dug for himself. His eyes were drawn to her red nails as they tapped with impatience making that diamond glisten.

When Nick didn't follow her or try to kiss her, like he generally did, she tossed a long blonde curl behind her shoulder and raised her chin. She was showing her indifference, which didn't help her case, but made it easier for him. He honestly wondered why he'd waited for a phone call or a reaction of some kind.

"What do you want, Nick? It's late and I was leaving to meet my friends."

"This won't take long. I came by to tell ya about the decision I made." He waited and was pleased to see her eyes widen with interest. He frowned at Noah who turned his back, and it wasn't with consideration for their privacy. His snicker wasn't soft enough.

"Brianna, I decided under the circumstances, and a certain lack of interest you've demonstrated concernin' bein' with me, that our engagement was a mistake. This has led me to the conclusion that it's best that we continue on with not seein' each other." He took a breath and held a finger up for her to wait when he noticed she was about to say something. "Also, because of the awkwardness of bumpin' into one another, I believe it's best if ya stop comin' to my club. Not that you've been there recently since ya quit seein' me. But I wouldn't want any trouble there. It wouldn't be wise and could hurt your reputation."

Her face turned red as her eyes tightened with anger. He ignored her pique. It was expected. She also knew he didn't hesitate to throw people out of his club when they caused trouble.

"Brianna, I'm sure ya have the same feelings about me, otherwise you would have wanted to spend time together. You haven't. Things between us haven't been good for well over a month now. Because of my mistake in asking you to marry me, you can keep that engagement ring. That full carat diamond could be remounted into a necklace." Noah coughed to cover up his laugh. Nick ignored him and continued, "But I believe this is the right thing for both of us."

"Are you doing this because that Apache talked you into it?" she asked as she stared at her target.

Her misplaced blame drove the stake deeper to kill any guilt Nick had left. He watched Noah's eyes flicker with humor. He clearly didn't give a damn what she thought or said.